Please help with battery choice

[Focused]

I need a new battery again. I've had 4 of the same Unipart 072 EB590 Ahr 72 RC 130. I've had them replaced 3 times under warranty due to failures. The major problem I have is size (oh ah missus) the maximum that will fit is L258 W175 H208 which is exactly the size of the present (dead) battery. I cannot find a replacement and Unipart don't seem to do the 072 anymore. The terminals need to be; top left positive and bottom left negative. when positioned in the car. 4.5 1998

Would this be suitable even though it's 62ah? Exide Excell Battery 078

Edited by Focused on Wednesday 6th August 21:54

[MackemPete]

I fitted an optima redtop. They are slightly smaller and the positive doesn't quite line up with the hole, but the extra CCA is well worth this minor inconvenience. Starter has never span as quick, hot starting issues disappeared too.

[Tanguero]

So did I. And it has the added advantage that a deep discharge doesn't knacker the battery.

[sonnylad]

Hi Gary, Im also running optima, beleive it was a 4.2 as in the link. Ignore the the 50ah as it looks low but they really do turn over the engines quickly.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Optima-Red-Top-RTS-4-2-S...

[Focused]

Thanks everyone, PH comes to the rescue yet again

Sounds like there's only one option and I'll be ordering on Monday.

PS. Hi Russ, been awhile, how's things? You still in the same place?

[sonnylad]

Focused said:

Thanks everyone, PH comes to the rescue yet again

Sounds like there's only one option and I'll be ordering on Monday.

PS. Hi Russ, been awhile, how's things? You still in the same place?

Yeah good thanks, and you?

Still in Watford with the same Cerb but it has something non original under the bonnet since i see you last.

[TheRainMaker]

Another option.



And it's a perfect fit

[jammy_basturd]

Depending on how often you use the Cerb you might want to look at fitting the Optima YellowTop instead. I did as I don't use a/the car everyday and the YellowTop is much more resilient to being left for longer periods.

[aide]

+1 for the RedTop. If I didn't get to drive it often I'd have gone for the YellowTop. They're really worth it.

[Tarmacshredder]

It is likely the Unipart batteries are being killed by your Cerbera rather than they are faulty. Most Cerbera's flatten the batteries quite quickly, I also work on Alfas and the GTV's also flatten the batteries quite quickly fitted with the same Meta Alarm system. If the battery is discharged too much the plates inside the battery will distort and the battery will never be able to hold the same level of charge again, a couple of full discharges would be enough with most lead acid batteries to result in them not taking charge and needing replacement.
The optima batteries are better for the amount they can be discharged before they become damaged.
So you don't keep going through batteries look at the options of using a trickle/maintenance charger to help maintain the battery charge or an isolator for disconnecting the battery if left for more than a couple of weeks if in a secure garage etc.

[Chuffmeister]

I bought a Varta E39 AGM. Loads of CCA and will hold charge for ages. I simply ditched the box and tied it down in the footwell. ecu still fits up the side and removal is easy.

[ukkid35]

Chuffmeister said:

I bought a Varta E39 AGM. Loads of CCA and will hold charge for ages. I simply ditched the box and tied it down in the footwell. ecu still fits up the side and removal is easy.

Another vote for Varta, but I fitted a D39. It's an easy fit (242MM X 175MM X 190MM), terminals the right way round, and only £67 delivered.

[Tanguero]

Chuffmeister said:

I bought a Varta E39 AGM. Loads of CCA and will hold charge for ages. I simply ditched the box and tied it down in the footwell. ecu still fits up the side and removal is easy.

Not on a Cerbera you didn't! The Cerb battery is under the bonnet, not in the footwell.

[ukkid35]

I had a PAX ride in an Ascari last year, impressive machine. But somehow they forgot that it might need a battery, so it sits in the passenger footwell, right in the way - absurd.

[Chuffmeister]

Tanguero said:

Not on a Cerbera you didn't! The Cerb battery is under the bonnet, not in the footwell.

[Focused]

Really do appreciate all the help guys

I've found this, only £20 more than the redtop, has 2 year warranty, free next day delivery and is the right size, what you reckon?

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/product/YTS+4.2/...

[jammy_basturd]

Focused said:

Really do appreciate all the help guys

I've found this, only £20 more than the redtop, has 2 year warranty, free next day delivery and is the right size, what you reckon?

http://www.batterymegastore.co.uk/product/YTS+4.2/...

Same battery I have I'm sure. Great battery, had no problems with it (either starting the car, charging or fitting). My RedTop died after roughly 18 months of sitting on a car not doing much and discharging fully twice.

[firewallguy]

ukkid35 said:

Another vote for Varta, but I fitted a D39. It's an easy fit (242MM X 175MM X 190MM), terminals the right way round, and only £67 delivered.

Me too, fitted only yesterday, plenty of space to spare. May not last as long as a Red Top, but I use a trickle charger and I can get two for the price of one Red Top.

[jackwibble]

Varta 086 just a little longer so dispense with clamp and the scuttle panel holds it in place it's a squeeze but for £80 and a 4 year warranty and the +ive fits the hole perfectly it's top banana 74 Ah and 680cca included.

[Focused]

jackwibble said:

Varta 086 just a little longer so dispense with clamp and the scuttle panel holds it in place it's a squeeze but for £80 and a 4 year warranty and the +ive fits the hole perfectly it's top banana 74 Ah and 680cca included.

Due to a bolt welded to the base plate that can't be removed without a lot of hassle. 258mm length is the max length possible. It's either the Varta D39 or the yellow top. I'll have to decide whether to save £100 and spend it on drugs & hookers